Clyde Ford identifies unique opportunities for boaters to better protect the environment and become informed advocates for marine ecosystems.
The actions of boaters hold the key to being good stewards of the environment we all cherish. As recreational boating grows in popularity with the unique experiences it provides, access to these natural settings could be limited due to negative impacts of boating.
There are many positive things boaters can do lessen their effect on the environment and become good stewards of our pristine natural resources. Fellow boater and writer, Clyde Ford has written a practical and useful guide on how become a better steward of the marine environment. His recent book, Boat Green: 50 Steps Boaters Can Take to Save Our Waters has been published by New Society Publishers.
A Handbook Approach - Ford avoids positions on current environmental debates and focuses on specific actions that produce tangible benefits. Boat Green is broken into thematic chapters that address specific topics. In each charter a concept is described, sequential steps for mitigation are suggested, additional outside resources are cited, and helpful internet search terms are listed. This approach better informs the reader and lays the groundwork for improved future understanding of the issue at hand.
Clyde Ford recommends readers follow through his entire text and then come back to specific topics that interest them. He recommends not trying every suggestion as once, but rather pick a few ideas that are interesting and see how well they work. Most importantly, Clyde asks readers to share their resulting experiences with other boaters.
Topical Content - Boat Green introduces boaters to the concept of green or clean boating, discusses global warming, describes the impacts boating can have on the health of the ocean, and relates similar information about inland waters. Following this introductory information, Ford gets down to the nuts and bolts of good stewardship by presenting these topics:
- Compliance with Coast Guard safety and pollution regulations
- Creating a personal vision for protecting the marine environment
- Handling fuel, oil spill avoidance and pollution reporting
- Use of bio-based fuels like biodiesel and ethanol
- Advances in marine engine technology
- Use and care of marine sanitation devices and pumpout facilities
- Onboard fire safety and prevention
- Best management practices for vessel engine maintenance
- Recycling and use of alternative energy for shore power needs
- Eco-friendly care of bilges, bottom painting and boat cleaning
- Interaction with marine mammals and wildlife
What is refreshing with Clyde Ford's book is his effort to engage boaters and encourage communications within the community. Unique opportunities are identified for adoption of local waterways, working with marina operators and becoming informed stakeholders for the marine environment. Recreational boaters of all stripes will enjoy the information presented by Ford and the boating community's future will benefit from protecting the waters it depends on for future sustainability.
Green Boating: 50 Steps Boaters Can Take to Save Our Waters (ISBN 9780865715905) is published by New Society Publishers of Garbriola Island, British Columbia and retails for $17.95 in the United States and Canada.
